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FROM   THE   LIBRARY   OF 

REV.   LOUIS    FITZGERALD    BENSON.  D.  D. 

BEQUEATHED    BY    HIM   TO 

THE    LIBRARY   OF 

PRINCETON   THEOLOGICAL   SEMINARY 


J^.  Ts.  Tsoaamio^/vv 


3  —  ^  ^ 

<7J  <2-c.    2   f,   )?-]^ 


TRANSLATIONS 


OF 


LiLTXN   HTICIT! 


OF  THE 


MIDDLE  AGES. 

A/.    8.  £-• 


PART  SECOND. 


MDCCCLXXVII  : 

JAMES  KIRK  &  SONS,  PRINTERS, 

DOVER,    DELAWARE. 


REFACE. 


The  reception  accorded  to  the  Translations  of  Mediaeval 
Hymns  heretofore  offered,  has  induced  me  to  present  the 
accompanying  versions.  I  trust  that  they  will  be  found 
equally  acceptable.  It  will  be  observed  that  the  paging  is 
in  continuation  of  the  prior  series.  An  Index  has  been 
added. 

To  my  friends,  who  have  acknowledged  the  former  Part 
in  terms  so  encouraging,  and  on  whose  judgment,  in  other 
matters,  I  confidently  rely,  I  return  thanks. 

N.  B.  SMITH ERS. 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2012  with  funding  from 

Princeton  Theological  Seminary  Library 


http://archive.org/details/transoflaOOsmit 


De  Epiphania. 

PRUDENTIUS. 


DE  EPIPHANIA. 


O  sola  magnarum  urbium, 
Major  Bethlem,  cui  contigit 
Ducem  salutis  coelitus 
Incorporatum  gignere. 

Haec  stella,  quae  solis  rotam 
Vincit  decore  ac  lumine, 
Venisse  terris  nuntiat 
Cum  carne  terrestri  Deum. 

Videre  postquam  ilium  magi, 
Eoa  promunt  munera, 
Stratique  votis  offerunt 
Thus,  myrrham  et  aurum  regium. 

Regem  Deumque  annuntiant 
Thesaurus  et  fragrans  odor 
Thuris  Sabaei,  ac  myrrheus 
Pulvis  sepulcrum  praedocet. 


"5 


The   Epiphany. 


PRUDENTIUS. 


The  author  of  this  Hymn  was  born  in  Spain  about  the  year  348.  He 
was  distinguished  as  a  Jurist.  Late  in  life  he  devoted  himself  earnestly  to 
the  service  of  God.  Another  stanza  is  generally  printed  as  part  of  the  original, 
but  being  a  mere  doxology,  and  not  by  Prudentius,  I  have  chosen  to  omit  it. 


THE  EPIPHANY. 


O,  chief  of  cities,  Bethlehem. 
Of  David's  crown  the  fairest  gem. 
But  more  to  us  than  David's  name, 
In  thee,  as  man,  the  Savior  came. 

Beyond  the  sun  in  splendor  bright, 
Above  thee  stands  a  wondrous  light 
Proclaiming  from  the  conscious  skies 
That  here,  in  flesh,  the  Godhead  lies. 

See,  coming  from  the  East,  afar 

Chaldean  sages  hail  his  star, 

And  low  in  adoration  bent 

Their  three-fold  gifts  to  him  present. 

The  golden  tribute  owns  him,  King, 
But  frankincense  to  God  they  bring, 
And  last,  prophetic  sign,  with  myrrh 
They  shadow  forth  his  sepulchre. 


De  Nativitate  Domini. 

JOANNES  MAUBURNUS. 


DE  NATIVITATE  DOMINI. 


Heu,  quid  jaces  stabulo, 

Omnium  creator, 
Vagiens  cunabulo, 

Mundi  reparator? 
Si  rex,  ubi  purpura? 
Vel  clientum  murmura? 

Ubi  aula  regis? 
Hie  omnis  penuria, 
Paupertatis  curia, 

Forma  novae  legis. 

"  Istuc  amor  generis 

Me  traxit  humani, 
Quod  se  noxa  sceleris 

Occidit  profani. 
His  meis  inopiis 
Gratiarum  copiis 

Te  pergo  ditare, 
Hocce  natalitio 
Vero  sacrificio 

Te  volens  beare." 


124 

O,  te  laudum  millibus 

Laudo,  laudo,  laudo, 
Tantis  mirabilibus 

Plaudo,  plaudo,  plaudo! 
Gloria,  sit  gloria, 
Amanti  memoria 

Domino  in  altis ! 
Cui  testimonia 
Dantur  et  praeconia 

Coelicis  a  psaltis ! 


The   Nativity. 


JEAN  MAUBURNE. 


The  author  lived  in  the  15th  century.  Born  in  1 460,  he  was  made  Abbot 
of  St.  Livry  in  1502,  and  the  next  year  died  at  Paris,  whither  he  was  carried 
in  consequence  of  sickness  caused  by  excessive  labor  in  the  administration  of 
his  religious  office. 


THE  NATIVITY. 


Why  dost  Thou  so  lowly  lie 

Who  all  things  didst  create  ? 
Comest  Thou  with  wailing  cry 

To  rear  our  fallen  state  ? 
Where  thy  train  if  King  thou  be, 
Purple  robe  of  majesty, 

Thy  presence  chamber,  where  ? 
All  unlike  the  courts  of  earth, 
Naught  denotes  thy  royal  birth, 

But  only  want  is  here. 

"  Hither,  from  my  Father's  throne, 

Through  love  for  man  I  came, 
Him  to  save,  his  guilt  atone, 

I  bear  this  load  of  shame  ; 
In  my  need  I  give  to  thee 
Wealth  from  Heaven's  treasury, 

The  pearl  of  costly  price  ; 
Lowly  born  and  held  as  naught, 
Life  and  blessing  I  have  brought, 

Myself  the  sacrifice." 


128 

Wonders  of  thy  grace  to  sing 

My  grateful  tongue  essays, 
Thousand  thanks  to  Thee  I  bring 

In  hymns  of  endless  praise  ; 
Glory,  now,  let  all  below, 
Mindful  of  thy  saving  woe, 

Shout  "  Glory,  Lord,  to  Thee," 
While  angelic  choirs  above 
Celebrate  thy  matchless  love 

With  harp  and  psaltery. 


Paulus. 

PETRUS  DAMIANI. 


PAULUS. 


Paule,  doctor  egregie, 
Tuba  clangens  ecclesiae, 
Nubes  volans  ac  tonitrum 
Per  amplum  mundi  circulum. 

Nobis  potenter  intona, 
Ruraque  cordis  irriga, 
Ccelestis  imbre  gratiae 
Mentes  virescant  aridae. 


O  magnum  Pauli  meritum, 
Ccelum  conscendit  tertium, 
Audit  verba  mysterii, 
Quae  nullis  audet  eloqui. 

Dum  verbi  spargit  semina, 
Seges  surgit  uberrima, 
Sic  coeli  replent  horreum 
Bonorum  fruges  operum. 


Paul. 

PETER  DAMIANI. 


Peter  Damiani  was  the  zealous  co-adjutor  of  the  celebrated  Hildebrand. 
He  was  made  Cardinal-bishop  of  Ostia.  Born  at  Ravenna,  in  Italy,  he  was 
mentally  and  morally  one  of  the  foremost  men  of  his  age.       He  died  in   1072. 


PAUL. 


Faithful  teacher,  mighty  Paul, 
Ringing  like  a  trumpet  call, 
Flying  cloud,  whose  couriers  glance 
Red-winged  round  the  world's  expanse, 

Let  thy  deep-voiced  thunders  roll, 
Saturate  each  thirsty  soul, 
Showers  of  heavenly  grace  impart, 
Fertilize  each  barren  heart. 


Guerdon  high  was  thine,  when  thrice 
Pearly  gates  of  Paradise 
Turning  gave  thy  raptured  ear 
Words  that  none  but  Angels  hear. 

Sower  of  the  Gospel  seed, 
Hundred-fold  shall  be  thy  meed, 
Garnered  where  no  thief  can  spoil, 
Fruit  of  thine  abundant  toil. 


FlANT    LUMINARIA. 


AB^ELARDUS. 


FIANT  LUMINARIA. 


Dixit  auiem  Deus  :    Fiant  luminaria  in  firmamento  Cueli. — Gen.  i,  14. 

Ornarunt  terram  germina. 
Nunc  coelum  luminaria  ; 
Sole,  luna,  stellis  depingitur, 
Quorum  multus  usus  cognoscitur. 

Haec  quaque  parte  condita 
Sursum,  homo,  considera  ; 
Esse  tuam  et  coeli  regio 
Se  fatetur  horum  servitio. 

Sole  calet  in  hieme, 
Qui  caret  ignis  munere  ; 
Pro  nocturnae  lucernae  gratia 
Pauper  habet  lunam  et  sidera. 

Stratis  dives  eburneis, 
Pauper  jacet  gramineis  ; 
Hinc  avium  oblectant  cantica, 
Inde  florum  spirat  fragantia. 


'39 


140 

Impensis  dives,  nimiis 
Domum  casuram  construis ; 
Falso  sole  pingis  testudinem, 
Falsis  stellis  in  coeli  speciem. 

In  vera  coeli  camera 
Pauper  jacet  pulcherrima ; 
Vero  sole,  veris  sideribus 
Istam  ill i  depinxit  Dominus. 

Opus  magis  eximium 

Est  naturae  quam  hominum  ; 

Quod  nee  labor  nee  sumptus  praeparat, 

Nee  vetustas  solvendo  dissipat. 

Ministrat  homo  diviti, 
Angelus  autem  pauperi, 
Ut  hinc  quoque  constet  coelestia 
Quam  sint  nobis  a  Deo  subdita. 


Let  There  Be  Lights. 


PETER  ABELARD. 


The  Author  of  this  Hymn,  Peter  Abelard,  was  born  near  Nantes.  He 
was  one  of  the  most  distinguished  men  of  his  age.  His  intercourse  with 
the  celebrated  Heloise  is  well  known.  He  was  the'  representative  of  the 
use  of  reason  in  matters  of  theology,  as  Bernard  of  Clairvaux  was  the  ex- 
ponent of  Church  authority,  and  between  them  there  arose  bitter  controversy. 
He  died  in   1 142  at  the  Monastery  of   St.   Marcel. 


LET  THERE  BE  LIGHTS. 


And  God  said:    Let  there  be  lights  in  the  firmament  of  the  Heaven. — Gen.  i,  14. 

With  many  a  flower  the  earth  is  bright, 
The  sky  is*  set  with  many  a  light, 
For  man  ordained,  the  golden  sun, 
The  moon  and  stars  their  courses  run. 

Observant  still  to  mark  the  years, 
Consider,  man,  these  shining  spheres, 
Look  up,  and  in  their  service  see 
That  Heaven  itself  was  made  for  thee. 

To  him  who  lacks  the  fire-side  blaze 
The  sun  sends  down  his  genial  rays, 
And  stars  hang  out  their  friendly  lamps 
By  night  to  guide  His  houseless  tramps. 

On  stately  beds  the  rich  are  laid, 

But  stretched  in  cool,  sequestered  shade, 

The  beggar  whiles  away  the  hours 

Mid  warbling  birds  and  fragrant  flowers. 


144 

The  lordling  decks  his  Vaulted  hall 
With  gilded  planets,  soon  to  fall, 
And  mourns  the  treasure,  vainly  spent, 
To  rival  God's  own  firmament. 

Within  the  chamber  of  the  skies, 
In  sweet  repose,  the  pauper  lies 
Where  stars  keep  watch,  till  morning  bids 
The  sunbeams  wake  his  sleeping  lids. 

Compared  with  Nature's  perfect  plan 
How  mean  the  proudest  works  of  man, 
Her  skill  expends  nor  gold  nor  toil 
And  what  she  builds  no  time  can  spoil. 

On  wealth,  the  poor  obsequious  wait, 
Good  angels  serve  our  low  estate 
And  verify  the  kind  decree 
That  Heaven  itself  was  made  for  thee. 


Oratio  ad  Dominum. 


MARBOD. 


ORATIO  AD  DOMINUM. 


Deus-homo,  Rex  coelorum, 
Miserere  miserorurn  ; 
Ad  peccandum  proni  sumus, 
Et  ad  humum  redit  humus ; 
Tu  ruinam  nostram  fulci 
Pietate  tua  dulci. 
Quid  est  homo,  proles  Adae  ? 
Germen  necis  dignum  clade. 
Quid  est  homo  nisi  vermis, 
Res  infirma,  res  inermis? 
Ne  digneris  huic  irasci, 
Qui  non  potest  mundus  nasci 
Noli,  Deus,  hunc  damnare, 
Qui  non  potest  non  peccare  ; 
Judicare  non  est  aequum 
Creaturam,  non  est  tecum  : 
Non  est  miser  homo  tanti, 
Ut  respondeat  Tonanti. 
Sicut  umbra,  sicut  fumus, 
Sicut  fcenum  facti  sumus : 
Miserere,  Rex  ccelorum, 
Miserere  miserorurn. 


Supplication  to  the  Lord. 


MARBOD. 


The   author   of  this  prayer   was  of  a  noble   family  in  Anjou.       He  was 
born  in   1035,  was  chosen  bishop  of  Rennes  in   1095,  and  died  in   1 125. 


SUPPLICATION  TO  THE  LORD. 


God  Incarnate,  Heavenly  King, 
Wretched  man  to  mercy  bring ; 
Prone  to  err,  our  footsteps  stray, 
And  to  dust  returns  the  clay; 
Lord,  accept  our  earnest  prayer, 
Wreck  of  sin  let  grace  repair. 
Seed  of  Adam,  what  is  man  ? 
Sprout  of  death,  deserving  ban  : 
What  is  man  unless  a  worm 
All  defenceless  and  infirm  ? 
Be  not  wroth  with  one  so  mean, 
Who  must  needs  be  born  unclean 
Him  to  slay,  O  God,  disdain, 
Who  from  sin  cannot  abstain  ; 
Mete-wand  nice  on  him  to  lay, 
Righteous  Judge,  is  not  thy  way, 
Nor  is  man  of  such  degree, 
Voice  of  God,  to  answer  Thee. 
Like  a  flower,  like  a  shade, 
Like  a  vapor  man  is  made, 
Mercy  grant,  O  Heavenly  King, 
Pity  such  a  wretched  thing. 


Syon  Ccelestis. 

HILDEBERTUS  TURONENSIS. 


SYON  CCELESTIS. 


Me  receptet  Syon  ilia, 
Syon,  David  urbs  tranquilla, 
Cuius  faber  auctor  lucis, 
Cuius  portae  lignum  cruris, 
Cuius  muri  lapis  vivus, 
Cuius  custos  rex  festivus. 
In  hac  urbe  lux  solennis, 
Ver  sternum,  pax  perennis: 
In  hac  odor  implens  coelos, 
In  hac  semper  festum  melos ; 
Non  est  ibi  corruptela, 
Non  defectus,  non  querela  ; 
Non  minuti,  non  deformes, 
Omnes  Christo  sunt  conformes. 


The  Heavenly  Zion. 

HILDEBERT,  OF  TOURS. 


This  hymn  is  an  extract  from  a  poem  of  Hildebert,  Archbishop  of  Tours. 
He  was  born  in  1057.  Eminent  for  his  learning,  his  works  were  highly 
esteemed.  Independent  in  his  character,  he  incurred  the  displeasure  of  the 
French  King,  I.ouis  le  Gros,  to  whose  wishes,  in  the  dispensation  of  church 
patronage,  he  refused  to  yield. 


THE    HEAVENLY   ZION. 


To  Zion  beckoning  friends  invite, 

In  David's  city  wait, 
Whose  builder  is  the  Source  of  light, 

The  precious  Cross  her  gate. 

With  living  stones  her  walls  are  gay, 
Her  guard  the  joyous  King, 

Within  her  courts  is  endless  day 
And  smiles  eternal  spring. 

There  Love  unbroken  peace  maintains, 
And  bloom  unfading  Mowers, 

While  ceaseless  glide  seraphic  strains 
Along  the  gladsome  hours. 

There  naught  corrupts,  nor  aught  is  vile, 

Nor  ever  ills  befall, 
Naught  enters  there  that  can  defile, 

But  Christ  is  all  in  all. 


'59 


De  Cruce. 


AUCTOR  INCERTUS. 


DE  CRUCE. 


Crux  ave  benedicta, 
Per  te  mors  est  devicta, 
In  te  dependit  Deus, 
Rex  et  Salvator  meus. 

Tu  arborum  regina, 
Salutis  medicina, 
Pressorum  es  levamen, 
Et  tristium  solamen. 

O  sacrosanctum  lignum, 
Tu  vitae  nostrae  signum, 
Tulisti  fructum  Jesum, 
Humani  cordis  esum. 

Dum  crucis  inimicos 
Vocabis  et  amicos, 
O  Jesu,  fili  Dei, 
Sis,  oro,  memor  mei ! 

163 


The  Cross. 


AUTHOR  UNKNOWN. 


This  Hymn  is  by  an  unknown  author  and  is  supposed  to  be  somewhere 
from  the  fourteenth  to  the  sixteenth  century.  It  has  been  much  praised  by 
critics.  According  to  the  tradition  prevalent  in  the  Middle  Ages,  the  Cross 
on  which  Jesus  suffered  was  of  palm  wood. 


THE  CROSS. 


Blessed  Cross,  hail,  holy  Rood  ! 
Death,  by  thee,  was  first  subdued 
When  my  God  was  crucified, 
When  my  King  and  Savior  died. 

Queen  of  trees  art  thou,  O  Palm, 
For  our  wounds  the  sovereign  balm, 
Strong  support  when  burdens  press, 
Solace  in  our  sore  distress. 

Tree  of  Life,  O  sacred  Tree, 
Glorious  sign  of  victory, 
Christ  thy  fruit,  O  Tree  divine, 
Never  fruit  so  sweet  as  thine. 

When  before  thy  judgment-seat 
Friend  and  foe  at  last  shall  meet, 
Jesus,  then  propitious  be, 
Son  of  God,  remember  me. 


De  Nativitate  Domini. 


ADAM  DE  SC.  VICTORE. 


DE  NATIVITATE  DOMINI. 


Potestate,  non  natura 
Fit  Creator  creatura, 
Reportetur  ut  factura 

Factoris  in  gloria. 
Praedicatus  per  prophetas, 
Quern  non  capit  locus,  aetas, 
Nostrae  sortis  intrat  metas, 

Non  reliquens  propria. 

Ccelum  terris  inclinatur, 
Homo-Deus  adunatur, 
Adunato  famulatur 

Ccelestis  familia. 
Rex,  sacerdos  consecratur 
Generalis,  quod  monstratur 
Cum  pax  terris  nuntiatur 

Et  in  altis  gloria. 

Causam  quaeris,  modum  rei  ? 
Causa  prius  omnes  rei, 
Modus  justum  velle  Dei, 
Sed  conditum  gratia. 


>7» 


172 

O  quam  dulce  condimentum, 
Nobis  mutans  in  pigmentum 
Cum  aceto  fel  cruentum, 
Degustante  Messia  ! 

O  salubre  sacramentum, 
Quod  nos  ponit  in  jumentum, 
Plagis  nostris  dans  unguentum, 

Ille  de  Samaria. 
Ille  alter  Elisaeus, 
Reputatus  homo  reus, 
Suscitavit  homo-Deus 

Sunamitis  puerum. 

Hie  est  gigas  currens  fortis, 
Qui,  destructa  lege  mortis, 
Ad  amcena  primae  sortis, 

Ovem  fert  in  humerum. 
Vivit,  regnat  Deus-homo, 
Trahens  Oreo  lapsum  porno  ; 
Coelo  tractus  gaudet  homo, 

Denum  complens  numerum. 


The  Incarnation. 


ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR. 


A  brief  notice  of  Adam  of  St.  Victor,  the  author  of  this  Hymn  and  of  the 
two  immediately  following,  has  been  given  in  the  preceding  pages.  Trench  con- 
siders this  as  "the  richest  and  fullest  of  the  Nativity  Hymns."  It  may  be  well  to 
say,  in  relation  to  the  allusion  in  the  last  line,  that  the  parable  of  the  ten  pieces  of 
silver  was  understood  to  relate  to  nine  ranks  of  angels  and  the  one  race  of  man. 
The  former  stood,  the  latter  fell  and  was  lost. 


THE  INCARNATION. 


Work  of  power,  passing  nature, 
God  appears  in  human  feature. 
Lifting  up  his  fallen  creature 

Unto  the  Maker's  throne. 
He,  whom  prophets  came  foretelling, 
Whom  nor  time  nor  space  compelling, 
Comes  in  finite  nature  dwelling, 

Retaining  still  his  own. 

Now  to  earth  the  heavens  are  bending, 
God  and  man  in  union  blending, 
Angel  ministers  descending 

Escort  him  from  the  sky, 
Who,  o'er  all  is  King  created, 
Priest  forever  consecrated, 
Peace  on  earth  is  promulgated 

And  glory  rings  on  high. 

Wouldst  thou  know  the  mode,  the  reason  ? 
Seeming  cause,  our  guilty  treason, 
Will  of  God  the  way,  the  season, 
But  yet  by  grace  forecast: 


176 

Blissful  relish,  precious  favor, 
When  the  myrrh-cup's  bitter  savor 
Changed  to  pigment's  spicy  flavor 
Upon  Messiah's  taste. 

Healing  grace,  all  comprehending, 
Good  Samaritan  befriending, 
Setting  on  his  beast  and  tending 

The  wounded  Judaite ; 
True  Elisha,  see,  appearing, 
Sinful  man,  our  likeness  wearing, 
God-Man,  in  his  power,  rearing 

The  lifeless  Shunamite. 

Lo,  the  matchless  Giant  hying, 
Who,  the  strength  of  Death  defying, 
Bears  his  sheep,  long-lost  and  dying, 

To  pastures  green  and  sweet; 
Fallen  through  the  first  temptation, 
Saved,  through  Christ,  from  condemnation, 
Man  rejoices  in  salvation 

And  makes  the  ten  complete. 


De  S.  Laurentio. 

ADAM  DE  SC.  VICTORE. 


DE  S.  LAURENTIO. 


Sicut  chorda  musicorum 
Tandem  sonum  dat  sonorum 

Plectri  ministerio, 
Sic  in  chely  tormentorum 
Melos  Christi  confessorum 

Martyris  dat  tensio. 

Parum  sapis  vim  sinapis, 

Si  non  tangis,  si  non  frangis  ; 

Et  plus  fragrat,  quando  rlagrat, 

Tus  injectum  ignibus  : 
Sic  arctatus  et  assatus, 
Sub  ardore,  sub  labore, 
Dat  odorem  pleniorem 

Martyr  de  virtutibus. 

Hunc  ardorem  factum  foris 
Putat  rorem  vis  amoris, 

Et  zelus  justitiae  ; 
Ignis  urens,  non  comburens, 
Vincit  prunas,  quas  adunas, 

O  minister  impie. 


'79 


The  Martyrdom  of  St.  Laurentius. 

ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR. 


Laurentius,  the  Martyr,  was  Arch-Deacon  at  Rome,  and  suffered  during  the 
persecution  of  the  Christians  by  Valerian.  He  is  said  to  have  been  broiled  to 
death  on  a  gridiron,  or  roasted  in  an  iron  chain.  This  hymn  is  in  commemora- 
tion of  his  martyrdom. 


THE  MARTYRDOM  OF  ST.  LAURENTIUS. 


As  minstrel  touch  evokes  the  strain 
That  softly  glides,  then  swells  amain 

Along  the  trembling  chord, 
The  martyr,  stretched  on  torture's  rack, 
From  quivering  nerves  gives  sweetly  back 

The  praises  of  his  Lord. 

As  nothing  tells  what  pungent  power 
In  mustard  dwells,  till  brayed  to  flour, 
And,  parched  with  heat,  to  incense  sweet 

The  fragrant  gum  resolves. 
Thus,  rectified  by  bloody  scourge. 
Refined  and  tried  by  fiery  purge, 
The  martyVs  faith,  sublimed  in  death, 

Its  rich  perfume  evolves. 

To  love  and  zeal,  that  inward  glow, 
Like  dew-drops  feel  the  fires  below, 

No  pain  but  Love  can  quell; 
It  burns,  illumes,  yet  naught  consumes, 
And  coals  outvies  thy  rage  applies 

O  minister  of  hell. 


■83 


De  SS.  Evangelistis. 

ADAM  DE  SC.  VICTORE. 


DE  SS.  EVANGELISTIS. 


Circa  thronum  majestatis, 
Cum  spiritibus  beatis, 
Quatuor  diversitatis 

Astant  animalia. 
Formam  primum  aquilinam, 
Et  secundum  leoninam, 
Sed  humanam  et  bovinam 

Duo  gerunt  alia. 

Formae  formant  figurarum 
Formas  Evangelistarum, 
Quorum  imber  doctrinarum 

Stillat  in  Ecclesia ; 
Hi  sunt  Marcus  et  Matthaeus, 
Lucas,  et  quern  Zebedseus 
Pater  tibi  misit,  Deus, 

Dum  laxaret  retia. 

Formam  viri  dant  Matthaeo, 
Quia  scripsit  sic  de  Deo, 
Sicut  descendit  ab  eo, 

Quern  plasmavit,  homine. 


1 88 


Lucas  bos  est  in  figura, 
Ut  prsemonstrat  in  Scriptura, 
Hostiarum  tangens  jura 
Legis  sub  velamine. 


Marcus,  leo  per  desertum 
Clamans,  rugit  in  apertum, 
Iter  fiat  Deo  certum, 

Mundum  cor  a  crimine. 
Sed  Johannes,  ala  bina 
Caritatis.  aquilina 
Forma  fertur  in  divina 

Puriori  lumine. 


Quatuor  describunt  isti 
Quadriformes  actus  Christi, 
Et  figurant,  ut  audisti, 

Quisque  sua  formula. 
Natus  homo  declaratur, 
Vitulus  sacrificatur, 
Leo  mortem  depraedatur, 

Et  ascendit  aquila. 

Ecce  forma  bestialis 
Quam  scriptura  prophetalis 
Notat ;  sed  materialis 
Haec  est  impositio. 


1 89 

Currunt  rotis,  volant  alis  ; 
Inest  sensus  spiritalis ; 
Rota  gressus  est  sequalis, 
Ala  contemplatio. 

Paradisus  his  rigatur, 
Viret,  floret,  foecundatur, 
His  abundat,  his  laetatur 

Quatuor  fluminibus : 
Fons  est  Christus,  hi  sunt  rivi, 
Fons  est  altus,  hi  proclivi, 
Ut  saporem  fontis  vivi 

Ministrent  fidelibus. 

Horum  rivo  debriatis 
Sitis  crescat  caritatis, 
Ut  de  fonte  pietatis 

Satiemur  plenius. 
Horum  trahat  nos  doctrina 
Vitiorum  de  sentina, 
Sicque  ducat  ad  divina 

Ab  imo  superius. 


The  Holy  Evangelists. 

ADAM  OF  ST.  VICTOR. 


The    purpose   of   this   Hymn   is   to   represent   the   character   of    Christ   as 
distinctively  exhibited  by  each  of  the  Evangelists. 


THE  HOLY  EVANGELISTS. 


Round  about  the  throne  of  heaven, 
Serving  with  the  holy  Seven, 
Four  attend,  in  honor'even, 

Framed  in  strange  diversity  ; 
Flying  eagle  one  appearing, 
One  the  form  of  lion  bearing, 
One  a  calf,  the  other  wearing 

Visage  of  humanity. 

Fashioned  thus,  these  blessed  creatures, 
Shew  the  four  Evangel  teachers, 
Living  streams  for-  Gospel  preachers 

Flowing  out  from  Galilee  ; 
Matthew,  here,  and  Mark  portraying, 
Luke,  and  him  who,  naught  delaying, 
Left  his  nets,  the  call  obeying, 

Gentle  son  of  Zebedee. 

Matthew  has  our  shape  and  stature, 
Writing  in  his  nomenclature 
Christ's  descent,  as  if  by  nature 

Springing  from  the  man  He  made ; 


194 


Form  of  calf  to  Luke  pertaining, 
Who,  in  Scripture,  speaks  explaining 
Sacrificial  rites  remaining 
Until  then  in  legal  shade. 


Desert  lion,  loudly  roaring, 
Mark,  our  wilderness  exploring, 
Cries,  "  The  path  of  God  restoring, 

Let  your  hearts  be  clean  and  right;" 
While,  on  wings  of  love  ascending, 
Like  the  eagle  sunward  bending, 
John  his  heavenly  way  is  wending 

Upward  to  the  Source  of  Light. 


Drama  of  His  life  and  passion 
These  enactingr  what  each  fashion 
Represents,  the  explanation 

Doubtless  you  have  heard  full  oft 
Birth  of  Christ,  the  man  displaying. 
Sacrifice,  the  calf  conveying, 
Death  despoiled,  the  lion  preying, 

While  the  eagle  soars  aloft. 


Lo,  the  forms  of  brute  creation 
Which  prophetic  revelation 
Indicates,  and  through  sensation 
Teaches  spiritual  things : 


195 

Rolling  wheels  and  pinions  flying, 
Hidden  meaning  underlying, 
Equal  walk,  the  wheels  implying, 
Higher  life,  the  mounting  wings. 

By  these  waters  irrigated 

Paradise  is  decorated, 

Where  o'er  boughs  with  fruitage  weighted 

Amaranthine  bloom  is  spread  ; 
Christ  the  fountain,  these  outflowing, 
High  the  fountain,  earthward  going 
These  descend,  on  man  bestowing 

Sweetness  of  their  living  head. 

Ever  drinking,  still  unsated, 
Thirst  with  every  draught  created, 
May  our  souls  be  saturated 

Quaffing  from  this  Fount  of  Love ; 
Thus  the  way  of  wisdom  learning, 
From  the  dregs  of  folly  turning, 
Let  our  minds,  the  truth  discerning, 

Meditate  on  things  above. 


Ad  Sanctum  Spiritum. 

ROBERTUS,  GALLI/E  REX. 


AD  SANCTUM  SPIRITUM. 


Veni,  Sancte  Spiritus, 
Et  emitte  coelitus 
Lucis  tuse  radium. 
Veni,  pater  pauperum, 
Veni,  dator  munerum, 
Veni,  lumen  cordium  ; 

Consolator  optime. 
Dulcis  hospes  animae, 
Dulce  refrigerium  : 
In  labore  requies, 
In  a?stu  temperies, 
In  fletu  solatium. 

O  lux  beatissima, 
Reple  cordis  intima 
Tuorum  fidelium  ! 
Sine  tuo  numine 
Nihil  est  in  homine, 
Nihil  est  innoxium. 

:  99 


2GO 


Lava  quod  est  sordidum, 
Riga  quod  est  aridum, 
Sana  quod  est  saucium  ; 
Flecte  quod  est  rigidum, 
Fove  quod  est  frigidum, 
Rege  quod  est  devium  ! 


Da  tuis  fidelibus 
In  te  confitentibus 
Sacrum  septenarium  ; 
Da  virtutis  meritum, 
Da  salutis  exitum, 
Da  perenne  gaudium  ! 


To  The  Holy  Spirit. 

ROBERT,  KING  OF  FRANCE. 


This  beautiful  Hymn  is  the  production  of  Robert,  King  of  France,  the  son 
of  Hugo  Capet.  He  was  born  in  971  and  died  in  1 03 1.  The  gentleness  of  his 
disposition  was  unfitted  to  contend  with  the  turbulent  spirit  of  the  times.  This 
Hymn  holds  a  high  place  in  the  estimation  of  scholars,  being  considered  as  first 
in  loveliness  among  the  sacred  compositions  of  the  Middle  Ages. 


TO  THE  HOLY  SPIRIT. 


Holy  Spirit,  quickly  come, 
Hasten  from  thy  heavenly  home, 
Rays  of  thine  effulgence  dart ; 
Father  of  the  humble  poor, 
Bounteous  Giver  of  thy  store, 
Come,  Enlightener  of  the  heart. 

Comforter,  supremely  kind, 
Sweet  Indweller  of  the  mind, 
Well-spring  of  the  soul's  relief, 
Bringing  to  the  weary,  rest, 
Calmness  to  the  troubled  breast, 
Solace  in  the  time  of  grief. 

Radiance  of  the  light  divine, 
Let  thy  full  resplendence  shine 
Through  the  closets  of  our  hearts, 
Man  without  thy  aid  is  naught, 
Wholly  vile,  with  evil  fraught 
Save  the  good  thy  grace  imparts. 


204 

What  is  filthy,  purify, 
Irrigate  whate'er  is  dry, 
What  is  hurt,  to  health  restore, 
Overcome  my  stubborn  will, 
Warm  whate'er  in  me  is  chill, 
Guide  me,  that  I  stray  no  more. 

Give  to  all  who  trust  in  Thee, 
Walking  in  humility, 
Seven  graces  of  thy  love, 
Grant  the  meed  of  perfect  faith. 
Victory  in  the  hour  of  death, 
Grant  unfailing  bliss  above. 


NDEX. 


INDEX. 


The  Resurrection Author  Unknown 5 

St.  Stephen's  Martyrdom Adam  of  St.  Victor 13 

The  Dedication  of  a  Church Same 25 

The  Vanity  of  the  World Bernard  of  Clairvaux 37 

Contempt  of  Worldly  Vanity Same 45 

The  Day  of  Judgment Author  Unknown 53 

The  Mother  at  the  Cross Jacopone  da  Todi 65 

The  Body  of  Christ Thomas  Aquinas 77 

St.  John,  the  Evangelist Author  Unknown 85 

The  Day  of  Wrath Thomas  of  Celano 97 

Vox  Gratia; 109 

The  Epiphany Prudentius 113 

The  Nativity Jean  Mauburne 121 

Paul Peter  Damiani 129 

Let  there  be  Lights Peter  Abelard 137 

Supplication  to  the  Lord Marbod 145 

The  Heavenly  Zion. Hildebert  of  Tours 153 

The  Cross Author  Unknown 161 

The  Incarnation Adam  of  St.  Victor 169 

Martyrdom  of  St.  Laurentius. Same 177 

The  Holy  Evangelists Same 185 

To  The  Holy  Spirit Robert,  King  of  France 197 


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